Teenage Boy On Trip With His Foster Family Runs Away To Find His Real Family

Eliza rolled her eyes. “Kid, that’s not how the world works if you want to survive. You’ll learn that,” she replied.

Eric hesitated, reaching into his backpack. He pulled out some cash, ready to leave it on the table, but before he could, Eliza snatched it from his hand and shoved it into her pocket.

As they headed toward the door, the old man behind the counter noticed. “Hey! You didn’t pay!” he shouted angrily.

“Run!” Eliza shouted, dashing out the door. The group bolted, and Eric had no choice but to follow. Outside, he noticed police lights flashing nearby. As Eliza ran past him, she shoved him, and he felt something slip from his pocket.

“Mom!” he called, desperate, hoping she’d turn back.

But Eliza didn’t stop. “I told you—I don’t have any kids!” she shouted over her shoulder, disappearing into the night.

A police car pulled up beside Eric. He stopped, knowing he couldn’t outrun them. The window rolled down, and one of the officers leaned out, squinting at him.

“Hey, isn’t this the kid they mentioned?” the officer asked his partner.

The other officer looked Eric over and nodded. “Yep, that’s him. Alright, kid, get in the car.”

Eric’s heart pounded. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said, his voice trembling. “I tried to pay, but she took my money. I can call my parents—they’ll come get me.”

He reached into his pocket, only to find it empty. Panic rose as he realized his phone was gone, too. Tears filled his eyes. “Please, you have to believe me. I didn’t do anything.”

One of the officers got out, placing a hand on Eric’s shoulder. “Come on, son.” Gently, he guided Eric into the backseat as Eric’s tears fell silently.